WISCONSIN PUPPY MILL PROJECT

Dog Days

Dog Days

The 'dog days' are upon us,
and for a dozen summers you have slumbered, shaded,
under the same tree.
As I watch you from the window, as I always do,
wishing that I could lie there, too,
but not wanting to disturb your peace,
I am envious.
You haven't a care in the world and I have too many.
Still, I'm glad that you are so carefree.
Perhaps that is one of my greatest accomplishments.
Perhaps that is why Man keeps dogs...
as a reminder that life isn't only worries and responsibilities,
and that we can give you what we cannot give ourselves.
You remind me that simple pleasures are enough, more than enough...
that it should take so little to be happy.
Would that with a life of worry we had your years,
and with a life of contentment, you had ours.
But neither of us made these rules.
So sleep well, my friend, there in your cool shade.
One day, you will rest there forever.
I'll glance out the window again in awhile,
to make sure all is well,
and to be assured that you are still the keeper of my peace,
and to be grateful that I am the caretaker of yours.

You probably
recognize Mr. Peabody, the "face" of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill
Project. If not, you can read his story
here. His lightly-
spotted companion was Sadie, aka Sadie Ladie -- a "product" of
Gerald Schulz's Pretty Penny Kennels in the mid
1990's.

Miss Sadie's
first owners were looking for a Dalmatian with "lots of spots," and
Mr. Schulz, who apparently would do anything to make a sale, assured them that
the mostly white puppy would "grow 'em later." When, at 6 months of
age, the pup showed no signs of developing additional spots, the buyers left
her at the local animal shelter so that they could go looking for a Dalmatian
that better met their notion of what a Dal should look like.

Sadie lucked
out -- she was adopted into a wonderful home with people who appreciated and
loved her for who she was and not just what she looked like. Sadie was a sweet,
personable gal who lived a long and happy life despite her unfortunate
beginnings.